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North Island

Manawatū-Whanganui

Best timeSummer to early autumn (December to April) for the Crossing and the river; June to October for skiing.
Getting thereNational Park village and Ōhakune are about four and a half hours' drive from Auckland and four from Wellington.
Main townsPalmerston North, Whanganui, Ōhakune, National Park, Taihape

Volcanoes, a sacred river and wide open farmland: this region holds Tongariro National Park, one of the world’s few dual-listed World Heritage areas, and the Whanganui River journey.

Highlights

  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing A 19.4 km day walk past steaming vents and emerald lakes. Go with a shuttle and a good forecast.
  • Whanganui Journey A Great Walk done by canoe or kayak, usually over three to five days.
  • Bridge to Nowhere A concrete bridge deep in the bush, reached by jet boat and a short walk.
  • Mt Ruapehu Skiing at Whakapapa and Tūroa in winter, and walks and the scenic chairlift in summer.
  • Whanganui city A heritage riverside town with galleries and glass-blowing studios.

Best time to go

Summer to early autumn (December to April) for the Crossing and the river; June to October for skiing.

Getting there

National Park village and Ōhakune are about four and a half hours’ drive from Auckland and four from Wellington. The Northern Explorer train stops at National Park and Ohakune.

Main towns

Palmerston North, Whanganui, Ōhakune, National Park, Taihape

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